Shrek 5 to release in July 2026 with Mike Myers, Eddie Murphy and Cameron Diaz set to return

We’re heading back to the beloved swamp with the exciting news that DreamWorks Animation has officially started developing 'Shrek 5,' slated for a distant release on July 1, 2026. Fans can rejoice as the original stars, Mike Myers, Eddie Murphy, and Cameron Diaz, are all set to return. However, Antonio Banderas' reprise of his role as the charming Puss in Boots remains uncertain.

Not too Far, Far Away… @Shrek 5 is coming to theaters on July 1, 2026 with Mike Myers, Eddie Murphy, and Cameron Diaz. pic.twitter.com/3j6ctXpPGu

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— DreamWorks Animation (@Dreamworks) July 9, 2024

The directorial reins for 'Shrek 5' will be taken up by Walt Dohrn, who has previously contributed as a writer and artist on 'Shrek 2' and 'Shrek the Third,' and served as head of story on 'Shrek Forever After,' where he also voiced Rumpelstiltskin. Production will be overseen by franchise veteran Gina Shay and Illumination founder Chris Meledandri, with Brad Ableson co-directing.

In June, Murphy hinted that he had already begun recording his voice for the film and mentioned a future Donkey spinoff project.

The 'Shrek' series originally rolled out four feature films between 2001 and 2010, starting with the groundbreaking 'Shrek,' which earned $487 million globally and became DreamWorks Animation's flagship hit. It was also the first to win an Oscar for Best Animated Feature. The sequel, 'Shrek 2,' amassed an impressive $928 million and both movies contended for the Palme d’Or at Cannes. Although 'Shrek the Third' and 'Shrek Forever After' didn't receive the same critical acclaim, they still achieved significant box office success, grossing $813 million and $752 million respectively. Additionally, the 'Puss in Boots' spinoffs performed well in theatres, earning $555 million and $484 million.

In 2018, Universal Pictures appointed Chris Meledandri, the influential producer known for his work on the 'Despicable Me' series and 'The Super Mario Bros. Movie,' to spearhead the revitalisation of the 'Shrek' and 'Puss in Boots' franchises. Meledandri, a renowned figure in animation, emphasised the importance of preserving the original voice cast, acknowledging their crucial role in the success of the 'Shrek' films.

“When you look back on those vocal performances they’re awesome, and while you certainly could make a case for a complete reinvention, I find myself responding to my own nostalgic feelings of wanting to go back to those characterisations. The challenge for us has been to find something that really does feel like it’s not simply yet another film in a series of sequels,” he said.